- Malaysia has banned pride-themed Swatch watches. Anyone wearing one could face three years in jail.
- Malaysian officials seized over 160 pride-themed watches from Swatch stores.
- Same-sex relationships are prohibited in Malaysia. Violators face 20 years in jail or caning.
Malaysia’s government said Thursday that all Swatch products that contain lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer elements — including watches, wrappers, and boxes — were banned, warning that anyone found with one could be jailed for up to three years.
The ban has been published in the Federal Gazette — which makes it official — as part of a printing law that includes distribution and possession, citing concerns that such products were detrimental to the nation’s morality.
Malaysia, which is predominantly Muslim, already criminalizes same-sex relationships, with punishments ranging from caning under Islamic laws to 20 years in prison for sodomy under colonial-era civil laws.
In May, authorities raided Swatch stores and confiscated more than 160 watches from its Pride Collection. Some of the watches have rainbow colors while others are in a choice of six single colors that correlate to the gay pride flag, with two rainbow loops on their straps.
Swatch contested allegations that the watches were harmful, saying they carried a message of peace and love. The Swiss watchmaking company has sued the government for damages and for the return of the watches.
The Home Ministry statement said the products are “detrimental, or possibly detrimental, to morality, public interest, and national interest by promoting, supporting and normalizing the LGBTQ movement which is not accepted by the general public.”
Anyone found in possession of such Swatch products faces up to three years in jail or a fine of up to 20,000 ringgit ($4,375), it warned.
In July, the government cut short a music festival in Kuala Lumpur after the lead singer of the British band The 1975 kissed a male bandmate during their performance in protest of the country’s anti-gay laws. Footage of the kiss was posted on social media and sparked a backlash in the country. Malaysia also blacklisted the group from the country. The band later canceled its shows in Jakarta and Taipei.
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